Hi,
We have few critical Linux-based servers running on separate hardware, all PC hardware (VoIP, Router\Firewall, IRC server).

The main reason I'm considering the move to VM is to simplify software fixes/maintenance and decrease software disaster recovery time (increase up-time).

The reason I still didn't done that yet, is the hardware.
Right now the hardware I have for this machine:
CPU: i7-2600k
Motherboard: Asus P8Z68V LE (intel z68)
Memory: 4x4gb ddr3 (non-ecc, un-buffered)
Ethernet card #1: Realtek 8111E (intergrated, 1 port)
Ethernet card #2: Intel E1G42ETBLK (pci-e x16, 2 ports).
Storage controller #1: Intel RST (integrated, sata, no hw raid).
Storage media: 4x sata 7200rpm western digital 500gb (aakx).

Available expansion slots: 1 PCI-E X16, 2 PCI-E X1, 3 PCI.

I'm not sure if I can trust this PC hardware in a production environment, as a main machine running multiple, critical servers (voip, router and such).

I'm planning to add an hardware raid card, maybe the Intel RS2WC040 (cost less than $200 and should be an hardware raid).

But still the motherboard probably doesnt support vt-x and registered memory (ecc).

How critical is that? What's your suggestions?

Many thanks!

I would start with 2 concerns.
1) Reliability. I have an tier 1 server and on Saturday night the MB dies. I get an email from the remote management card and 4 hours later the hardware vendor is on site with a replacement and 6 hours later we're back online.
With a whitebox I find out on Monday morning (maybe earlier ). I'm then off to the computer store to get replacement parts. Wait no RAID controller in stock, I'm down for an extra few days.
I describe a worst case scenario, but that's one reason I wouldn't go with a whitebox in production if I didn't have to.

2) Performance - it seems that your VM load with be CPU / network heavy and fairly low on disk. I wouldn't use the realtek NIC and would add some NIC redundancy if I could. Not that it would be common, but I wouldn't put lots of memory in a desktop MB and expect great performance. I.e. 64 GB or higher.

3) RAID - I would go hardware RAID with battery backed cache. Battery backed cache will make a huge performance difference. I'd also look at something off the HCL and relatively new if you plan to upgrade to ESXi 5.x and eventually 6.

4) VT-x - you'll need that for 64 bit VMs. I'd be surprised if it didn't support it (and more importantly you'll want to check that the CPU supports the feature. I would get a CPU without. You might get away with 32 bit VMs today, but it'll be harder and harder down the road.

1) I'm sure branded server will be a better option but my current budget doesn't allow me to get one.

My only 2 options are:
Dedicated PC hardware for each linux server and OS running directly on the hardware, or
1 box, with a bit more reliable PC hardware and all software running on VM (ESXi).

2) Performance - I don't think I'll need more than 16/24gb, but my setup doesn't support ECC - how bad is it for production servers?

The main NIC will be Intel E1G42ET, unfortunately with LAN and RAID card, I don't have any PCI-E X8/16 free slots. still have PCIE X1 and PCI.

3) RAID - thanks, I didn't knew about the battery difference, I'll check the prices and see if its in my budget. Until now I was looking on Intel RS2WC040.

4) My system supports VT-x but not VT-d.



Many thanks!

I'm sure you'll make out fine with it. No worries about not having VT-d - that's just for VMDirectpath support.